Meet Kai
Hi there! I'm Kai, a Los Angeles creative with a suitcase full of passions – writer, photographer, and visual storyteller. My adventures have whisked me from bustling souks in Morocco to dazzling skylines in Dubai, and everywhere in between.
In addition, advocating for human rights has been a lifelong passion of mine. I've had the privilege of collaborating with respected organizations like Amnesty International and Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation in researching crime and capital punishment in Portage, Indiana. I feel proud to have partnered with Fundacion Koinonia, (Located in Cartagena, Colombia) Islamic Relief USA , The Los Angeles County African American Employees Association, and interned with The American Friends Service Committee.
From 2021 to 2023 I was a member of The North American Travel Journalists Association, also known as NATJA and a contributor to Travel Pulse, a source for up-to-date news on the travel industry. In 2023 I joined Wanderful, a global lifestyle brand and community that helps all women travel the world. My educational background includes a bachelor's degree in sociology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
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Previously, I held the remote position of blog manager at Hunger Reduction International, located in Somalia. I have also worked with the Seed Foundation which is a charity based in Nairobi, Kenya that works to empower youth education. My photographs have been featured prominently in the travel section of the LA Times and other publications. For more than twenty years, I have devoted myself to a career in social services with Los Angeles County. I am also a singer-songwriter, pianist, and studio recording artist.
Most recently I am the founder of The Local Lens, a media outlet insider's guide to the vibrant art, culture, and happenings of Los Angeles. The Local Lens keeps you in the loop on everything from must-see art exhibits, film, travel, local events and hidden cultural gems. Through engaging articles, interviews, and photos, Local Lens unveils the soul of the LA one story at a time.
When it comes to travel, I'm a firm believer in going beyond the postcard. I crave deep dives into local cultures, savoring every memory along the way. My visual storytelling captures the essence of these journeys, a testament to the transformative power of travel. My passion lies not just in exploring new horizons, but also in promoting wellness and empowering others to find healing through travel experiences. I'm all about fostering positive social change and leaving a positive footprint wherever I wander.